Softball: North Penn's Christoffers catching on

By ANDREW MARCUS, 21st Century Media

Friday, June 7, 2013

There was little reason to think the North Penn softball team would miss out on the PIAA playoffs this season. The Maidens returned eight of nine starters from last year’s District One championship team, though the only starter to graduate was a team leader and power-hitting catcher Jess Mower.

It was a tall order for whoever was going to inherit the gear and squat behind home plate, but in stepped Becky Christoffers. The sophomore, who played outfield in her first season, has managed to make the transition seamless.

The Maidens faced its struggles this season, but experience has allowed them stay calm and get better as the season progressed. It took three tries to take down Central Bucks East, but they did so, 11-0, in the PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinals. Now they have a second shot at Neshaminy (Monday, 4 p.m.at William Tennent), the team that prevented them from repeating as district champs with a 2-0 win in the district semifinals. A win on Monday punches their ticket to the state title game at Penn State.

“It did not work out in districts, but states are a second chance,” Christoffers said. “We have a lot of talent and we know we can do it. We want to keep going.”

On Thursday, the Patriots were prepared to jump on the Maidens. After the leadoff hitter reached base in the top of the first inning she attempted to steal second base. Christoffers delivered a strike to the bag and quickly ended an early rally. She also collected two hits and scored two runs in the contest.

“It’s my first year catching,” Christoffers said. “I worked out in the winter, trying new stuff every day. Jess (Mower) has helped me a lot. She came to a couple of our games and gave me tips. Meg Curley was a catcher before her concussions and she always helps me.”

Christoffers’ athleticism was on full display as she also twirled twice to settle under a foul ball for an important out in the late innings. While the Maidens could not imagine a better successor to Mower (playing at Temple), it was not always the obvious choice.

“Becky came out of nowhere for us,” Maidens coach Rick Torresani said. “She was an outfielder for us as a ninth grader, but she is really good friends with Jackie and caught years ago. Becky is a hard worker, she listens to coaching, and it just worked.”

Beyond the strong arm and small history behind the plate, what really cemented coach Torresani’s decision to commit to Christoffers was the chemistry she had with sophomore pitcher Jackie Bilotti. The pair’s off-the-field connection has translated into on-the-field success.

“Everything is working for Jackie,” Christoffers said. “She is coming out, hitting her spots every time. Winning districts last year is a confidence booster, but that is last year. We still need to come out ready to play.”